Wood River times. [volume] (Hailey, Idaho) 1882-1915, 1887-08-23

Southampton is the paradise of cyclists
The roads are so fiat and smooth that half
the population seem to own machines. On
entering the town we met at least a dozen
ladies', some of them young and pretty,
others discreet matrons, on tricycles. They
had evidently been to Market for on the lug
gage holders were strapped neat hampers
laden with their purchases. Southampton
itself is a happy combination of the ancient
and the modern. The old quarters of the
town and the surrounding country are brim-
full of historic places and historic memories,
while the new town and splendid docks dis
play the life and energy of a Nineteenth CEN
fury mart. We have a most polite consul at
this point, Mr.. Henry H. Pendleton, of West
Virginia. Though recent appointment, he
has found out all the interesting hooks and
corners of the old town, and we spent a de-
lightful day together inspecting the remains
OF a palace occupied by King Canute, now,
alas, but a stable; the wonderful city walls
and towers, which have stood many bloody
siege; the church where Queen Mary OF Eng
land married King Phillip of Spain, and
such other curiosites as were attractive and
authentic In the evening, accompanied by
Mr.. Pendeton, paid visit to famous Net
ley abbey. The distance was about three and
a half miles and the road perfect. Cross.
ing the Itchen above the docks by a
steam ferry, which took the tricycle.
and its occupants. we followed the mill road.
The road keeps close to the waters edge all
the way to the abbey, and the views of the
Southampton water are soft and beautiful.
l think Medley abbey one Of the most beauti.
full ruins in England, and have seen a great
many. They lie i'll slight hollow shrouded
by trees the sun had gone down when we
reached the porters lodge, and the scene was
enchantngly romantic. The magnificent
trees rich in foliage, the lofty gray walls, the
stately pillars, the well shaped arches, the
grand tracery of the windows, all robed in
waving masses of ivy, and half buried in
towering ash and oak trees, was q sight
hardly to be seen out of England, and long
to be remembered one of the most enjoy
able experiences of my tour across England
on tricycle.. The American consul gave me
the history of this fascinating old ruin, but
space prevents a recapitulation. 1t was
nearly dusk when we returned to Southa..np-
ton. That evening went to the theatre and
made q study of the audience II those pres
ent may he taken as fair saplple they are
bright, wideawake people. great contrast to
the inhabitants of WINCHESTER, who are too
much pulled up with thejM. ancient Importance
to mingle with this progressive age. OBJ
served that the wall fof the lower floor of the
Theatre Royal, Southampton, including the
stalls and pit, were covered with advertising
boards. While there is Yankee enterprise
about this it must shock the county families
of Winchester if they ever attend the theatre
there.
Tho, next day made up my mind to make
a g6od run, namely, from Southampton to
Portsmouth and back. There are two good
roads from Southampton to Portsmouth, the
upper one via Bo;ley and Fareham, and the
lower via Bursledon, Titchiieid and FARE
ham By one road the distance is twenty
six miles, by the other twenty-three. We
decided to go by one road and return by the